SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a move signalling deepening defence ties, the United States has extended its expertise in manpower to support India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The collaboration, rooted in shared concerns over China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific, aims to bolster India’s indigenous capabilities in the defence sector and foster long-term cooperation beyond its traditional defence partnership with Russia.
The collaborative effort spans various technological domains, with joint initiatives announced in jet engine production, semiconductors, and space technology. This strategic partnership not only addresses India’s aspirations to develop a self-sufficient defence industry but also aims to enhance technological competence across diverse sectors.
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In the face of ongoing military tensions with China, India is steadily progressing towards the establishment of an Integrated Rocket Force (IRF), a strategic move to bolster its defence capabilities. At the forefront of this development is the introduction of “Pralay,” a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile boasting a formidable range of 500 kilometres. While Pralay takes the lead as the first tactical missile to be inducted into the IRF, it is only the beginning of a broader missile system overhaul.
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is actively engaged in the development of an advanced missile, designed to avoid interceptor missiles effectively. This new tactical missile is set to revolutionize India’s defence capabilities with its unique features. One of the standout attributes is its ability to alter its trajectory midair after covering a specified range, enhancing its evasive capabilities.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) had given a lukewarm response to the developers of the Twin-Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) when they mooted a proposal to develop an Air Force variant of the jet called OCRA in late 2021. The IAF is instead showing more support to the 5th-generation AMCA program since it also will be a 25-ton fighter jet.
The TEDBF concept was first showcased at Aero India 2021. The jet is designed to operate from the Indian Navy’s Short Take-off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1 (IAC 1). The TEDBF features twin engines for better short take-off performance.
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In a significant technological advancement, the Defence Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur has successfully developed a Radar Absorbing Paint designed to be applied on its own fighter aircraft and various platforms. This groundbreaking innovation aims to reduce the radar signature of these aircraft, enhancing their stealth capabilities and minimizing the detection capability of enemy radars.
The Radar Absorbing Paint developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory represents a pioneering solution in the realm of stealth technology. The primary objective of this paint is to mitigate the radar signature of fighter aircraft and other platforms, thereby making them less susceptible to detection by enemy radar systems.
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The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a division of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has taken a significant step towards enhancing indigenous defense capabilities. GTRE has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to select Indian industry partners for the production of the STFE (Small Turbo Fan Engine) expendable engine.
The EOI outlines the production requirements, specifying an approximate quantity of 300 units over a span of 5 years. GTRE aims to collaborate with Indian industries to meet this production demand, contributing to the expansion of the country’s defense manufacturing ecosystem. The production quantity will be strategically distributed among industries identified by GTRE, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to defense production.
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DRDO Chief Samir V Kamat has revealed that the first squadron of the AMCA’s 5th generation, called MkI, will be powered by GE-supplied F-414 engines. However, a later squadron of upgraded AMCA called MkII will feature a new high-thrust weight class engine that will incorporate sixth-generation technology.
To develop this sixth-generation engine, DRDO plans to collaborate with a foreign OEM to reduce development risks and expedite the process, aiming to complete development within 10 years. Kamat stated that DRDO is in discussions with French Safran, British Rolls-Royce, and American GE for this partnership and intends to finalize a deal with one of these companies within the next six months.
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Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar recently announced ongoing reviews regarding the potential integration of unmanned surveillance aircraft (UAVs) for carrier operations within the Indian Navy. The announcement came in the wake of the Royal Navy’s successful trial of the largest-ever uncrewed aircraft launched from an aircraft carrier, codenamed ‘Mojave.’
The ‘Mojave’ aircraft, operated remotely by a computer terminal ‘pilot,’ demonstrated its capabilities by taking off from and safely landing on the HMS Prince of Wales during a unique trial off the East Coast of the USA. With dimensions of nine meters in length, a wingspan of 17 meters (six meters wider than an F-35B Lightning stealth fighter), and a weight exceeding 1½ tonnes fully loaded, ‘Mojave’ represents a groundbreaking achievement in uncrewed aerial systems.
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DRDO chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat has confirmed that the LCA Mark 2 fighter aircraft prototype will be rolled out within a year and developmental flight trials will be completed by the end of 2027. On September 1, 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared ?10,000 crore for Tejas Mark 2, which includes prototype development and flight testing.
The 17.5-tonne single-engine aircraft will take its first flight by the end of 2025. Plans are to complete initial developmental flight trials in two years post which the IAF will take care of the weapons certification process once it enters production from 2029 onwards.
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At the recent ‘International Conference and Exhibition on Aerospace and Aviation in 2047’, organized by the Aeronautical Society of India to commemorate its 75th year, a significant milestone was unveiled – India’s indigenous development of submarine-launched cruise missiles. This breakthrough achievement showcases India’s growing prowess in the realm of advanced defense technologies.
The DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) has developed two variants of these submarine-launched cruise missiles: the Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) and the Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM). These missiles are designed to provide India’s naval forces with a versatile and potent offensive capability, capable of striking both land and sea targets with precision and stealth.
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The much-anticipated face-off between the Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Chinese-developed, Pakistan-operated JF-17 took center stage at the Dubai Airshow, captivating aviation enthusiasts with breathtaking aerial displays. In a rare spectacle, these nimble fighter jets showcased their agility and capabilities, leaving spectators in awe. While the question of superiority remains subjective, the airshow provided a unique opportunity for a back-to-back comparison of the two aircraft.
The Dubai Airshow served as the arena for the first-ever meeting between the LCA Tejas and the JF-17, allowing aviation enthusiasts to witness their aerial prowess in a direct comparison. Both aircraft performed exhilarating displays, demonstrating their agility, speed, and maneuverability.
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NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT) has achieved significant milestones in its collaboration with the Indian Army, successfully demonstrating the operational viability of its cutting-edge technologies during a recent wargame. This collaboration has resulted in several notable firsts for NRT, showcasing its ability to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Indian military.
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Despite recent reports in Russian media suggesting ongoing discussions between Russia and India regarding the co-development of the Su-57 fighter jet, People familiar with the matter have told idrw.org that India will maintain its distance in the project. This decision stems from several factors, including concerns over the Su-57’s capabilities, India is keen to focus on developing its own indigenous 5th-generation fighter jet, the AMCA, and past disagreements with Russia over the FGFA program.
India’s initial interest in the Su-57 was primarily driven by its stealth capabilities and potential as a cost-effective alternative to Western fighter jets. However, subsequent evaluations have raised concerns about the Su-57’s overall performance, particularly in terms of its engine technology, radar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities.
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As technology propels the evolution of aerial warfare, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has confirmed that the Indian Navy’s upcoming Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) will forego the traditional internal 30mm cannon seen in fighter jets. The 26-ton TEDBF, slated to replace the Russian Mi-29K fighter jets for Indian Aircraft carrier operations, will opt for a podded 30mm cannon, a design choice aligning with modern air combat trends.
Unlike its predecessors, the TEDBF will house the 30mm cannon in a pod attached to the centerlines between the weapons bays. This configuration enhances the fighter jet’s versatility, making it well-suited for engaging ground or sea-based targets. However, it may diminish its effectiveness in close-in dogfights with other aircraft, a scenario where internal cannons traditionally played a crucial role.
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In a significant leap forward for India’s aero-engine capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) joined forces with Godrej Aerospace in September 2022 to manufacture eight Kaveri engines. This collaboration marks a crucial milestone in the development of the Kaveri engine, aiming to conduct comprehensive trials before the anticipated completion of all tests by 2025.
The agreement with Godrej Aerospace signals a strategic move to accelerate the limited-scale production of the Kaveri engines. These engines represent a leap forward from earlier prototypes, which were based on the older Kaveri engine developed almost a decade ago. The Dry Kaveri engine program involved substantial modifications and improvements to address previous challenges, resulting in a more advanced and stable iteration.
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According to Russian Media report, The Russian Navy has proposed to scrap the damaged nuclear submarine “Nerpa” of the project 971U “Shchuka-B”. The submarine was leased to the Indian Navy for 10 years, but was returned early in 2020 after an explosion on board.
According to available Russian Report, before that, in April 2020, an explosion of a high-pressure air cylinder occurred on board the submarine, as a result of which both of its hulls were damaged. Radio-electronic weapons and hydroacoustic equipment were also damaged. After that, the submarine was prematurely returned from the lease. The agency’s interlocutor noted that after the accident, Indian specialists completed the repair of both hulls of the submarine, after which it was returned to Russia.
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